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Scan those School Calendars for Prime-time Dental Appointments
Many parents, especially parents of tweens and teens, are hesitant to have their child miss part of a school day for necessary checkups and dental care - and while Saturday appointments are available at select offices, weekends are often jammed with sporting events and social obligations. What's a parent to do? Peek at that school calendar and look for minimum days, teacher in-service days, spring break and national holidays. There's a good chance your local family dentist office can accommodate you and other children at the same time, too - so be ready to book those cleanings, check ups and follow ups by keeping your school calendar handy during your call to the office.
Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS 268-6284

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"I cannot begin to explain how much attending Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts has changed my life. In the 11 years that I have been acting, I have never come across a studio that has as much to offer as SCSOPA. My family and I moved to LA when I was 13. I was looking for a performing arts studio where I really felt like I belonged. I have tried about every other acting studio in the Los Angeles/Hollywood area. Through a friend, I was referred to SCSOPA. My family and I went to an open house and were blown away with all of the amazing opportunities that the school has to offer. We signed up and started with classes right away. I also started meeting with the agents that next Saturday, because sure enough, it was the agency I wanted so desperately to be with. I worked hard to prepare for that audition. I went into the room, gave my best reading and came out simply hoping for the best. Within the next two weeks, I was signed with the agency of my dreams. Since then, I have auditioned for major network TV shows and just booked a role in a new Netflix film starring Idris Elba."
Jacie Hunter

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A Camp Where Kids are Safe to Try New Things
A child's camp experience should provide an opportunity to grow, develop new skills and create memories through opportunities that are not available during the school year. A well-designed program will encourage campers to gain 21st-century skills, which include communication, collaboration, resiliency and more. Camp should provide a setting where campers can get dirty while developing friendships that are unique to the setting.

The ideal summer camp experience allows campers to think outside of the box while engaging in activities that they would never have the chance to enjoy during the school year, from archery and ropes courses to hiking and campfire cooking. Camp provides a magical environment where campers feel safe trying new things under the supervision of the camp staff.
Valley Trails Summer Camp provides experiences like this and more. For additional information, or to schedule a personal tour, log on.
valleytrails.com

Share the Sunshine with your Child
With low ratios, accelerated curriculum, exciting technology, character education and hands-on learning, your child will benefit from Sunshine's half- or full-day programs, before/after school care or summer camp programs, whether they are early learners, pre-school, pre-K, TK or elementary age. Choose from two convenient locations: North Valencia and Wiley Canyon. Open enrollment begins February 28.
sunshinelearningcenters.com

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Gilchrist Farm Spring Camp Connects Kids to Nature
Running one week only - April 6 to April 10 - this affordable treat includes options for select-day camp, extended care and more for ages 5 to 14. Your child will learn how to groom, tack up and ride horses - or enhance their current riding expertise by trying something new, like archery and mounted archery! They'll also milk goats, gather eggs, pet pigs and bunnies, feed the ducks and tortoise and take the mini mule for a walk. Spring-time babies will be abundant during camp - so cute! Kids will also take part in country arts and crafts galore, including soap and candle making, leather working, rag-doll making and woodworking. Games include milk-jug bowling, horse shoes, cornhole, water balloon battles, tug-o-war and gunny sack races. See the whole lineup online at Gilchristfarm.com. Spring-time weather provides nature walk opportunities and, of course, the Giant Slide. Gilchrist Farm is an approved vendor for Inspire, iLead and Sage Oak.
Gilchrist Farm 645-2517

Sign Up Now for Digital Media Summer Camp for Kids & Teens
Running June 15 to August 7 for kids ages 8 to 12 and 13 to 18, your child will benefit from a fun, meaningful camp experience through project-based learning.

GlowHouse is encouraging and inspiring kids and teens to become the next generation of developers, animators, filmmakers, photographers, designers, engineers and content creators. In addition to developing students' interests and passions for the latest in new tech, this camp fosters personal growth, confidence and independence, preparing students for life beyond high school and college.

This digital media camp allows students to team up with like-minded peers to express themselves and their creativity through film. Students will work with top-of-the-line equipment while learning to develop a story, write a script, shoot unique shots and edit their film to create a movie of their own. By the end of the week, students will have films ready for the web, YouTube, resumes, family and friends!

With a student/staff ratio of 10 to one and education using Adobe Premiere, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canon DSLR cameras, Rode mics, tripods, iMovie, Gimbal, USB drives, a Chromakey Green Screen and more, your child will leave with skills that last a lifetime. Early drop off and late pick up are available. Early Bird Registration scores you a 25 percent discount, but hurry - it ends March 31.
glowhousegaming.com